By: Hon. Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament
With one more month of summer left to enjoy, I want to wish all Nova Scotians a very happy Natal Day!
These days, our politics can seem divided. However, as I’ve knocked doors in Halifax West this summer, I’ve heard a lot of shared ideas about how residents would like to improve their neighborhoods. What I hear every day, is that people simply want to live in affordable, healthy, better-connected communities. Those are priorities I take to heart, and ones we’ve been working to address.
Here’s what your federal government has done recently to turn those desires into reality:
IMPROVED COMMUNITY SPACES
The Keshen Goodman Library is an important resource. Last month, I helped celebrate the library’s reopening after extensive renovations. That work included improved spaces for visitors and staff, and a new HVAC system and solar installation that was supported with federal funding. I know so many are thrilled to have the library reopened. It’s a better building now—and a greener one too!
ACTION ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING
While mortgage holders surely welcomed the interest rate cuts we saw in June and July, housing affordability continues to be a major concern. Last month, I proudly announced new rent supports to hundreds of Nova Scotian women and children fleeing gender-based violence. We also just announced almost $100 million in loans for affordable housing across Atlantic Canada—support that will deliver new builds in Bedford and help repair over 1,700 units in our province.
GREENER HOMES AND BUILDINGS
Making energy efficiency upgrades to residences and other buildings can save homeowners, taxpayers, and organizations major money while helping us fight climate change. In July, I helped launch Canada’s new Green Building Strategy—a comprehensive roadmap to provide financial support for retrofits, green federal infrastructure, and build efficient from the start. That includes the new Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program to help your family afford to make efficiency upgrades at home.
BETTER PUBLIC TRANSIT
When riders can count on reliable public transit all road users benefit. Efficient bus and ferry service also helps support the new housing we need and offers an affordable way to get around. Through our newly launched permanent Canada Public Transit Fund—and the high-speed electric ferries that will link Bedford to downtown—we’re going to help HRM expand and improve its transit system.
There’s more work to do on all these fronts, and I always welcome your feedback. Hope to catch you on the doorstep soon!
